Pusic: Difficult match on a very bad pitch

Head coach Shakhtar Marino Pusic commented on the draw with Alexandria (0:0) in the 18th round match Ukrainian Premier League.

“A long and difficult day with a difficult game played in difficult circumstances and on a very bad pitch. We didn’t get the result we wanted, it turned out to be a draw. We constantly tried to show our game, but it was not always easy given the conditions, I mean the field. It was difficult to play quickly and find the right solutions under such circumstances. It was a difficult match.”

“We tried to play, the opponent also had their own opportunities, which we countered quite well in defense. This was clearly visible in the last 15 minutes when we changed some things. We dominated in this part, created two or three good chances and then we should have scored a goal, because the field was no longer dry, the pace had increased. You could see the ball was moving faster so we could move through positional play more easily.”

“We did everything we could. The team showed character and fought to the end. We tried to find space and create chances, but we were unlucky at the finish. Despite the difficulties of this game and the circumstances, I believe that we deserved a goal, but unfortunately we could not score it. There is a draw – for us this is not a very good result, but still a result. As I told my team, I’m happy with the way we tried to play, the way we showed character in the last 15 minutes, so we don’t lose heart and move on.”

Shakhtar failed to score in the away match against Alexandria. The most dangerous moment was the episode involving Marjan Shved, who hit the post at the end of the match.

Shakhtar scored 32 points and is in fourth place in the UPL. In the next match, Pusic’s team will play against championship leader Krivbass on March 3.